Antique American 1861 Peabody Rifle. Intact, with all original components, including the wooden stock. 

Size: 38 3/4 x 4 3/4 x 2 in. 

The 1861 Peabody rifle, patented by Henry O. Peabody in 1862, is a single-shot, lever-activated breech-loading firearm that utilized a unique, early tipping-breech mechanism. While developed during the American Civil War it saw limited initial adoption due to timing, but was produced by the Providence Tool Company for later contracts with Spain, Canada, and during the Franco-Prussian War. The Peabody design included a “falling block” that drops down when the lever is lowered, utilizing a “side hammer” that was derived from the Spencer repeater design. Recognized now as a direct predecessor to the Martini-Henry rifle, its light weight (roughly nine pounds) and ease of use was specifically designed for combat in wooded areas and difficult-to-traverse terrain, thus necessitating new designs to take its place once trench warfare became the norm. 

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